A parent's photo-review of a family trip in Norway: Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger

24.02.2014 1502


Learn more about: The Akershus Fortress in Olso, Norway

Learn more about: Frognerparken, the Frogner sculpture park and the museum in Oslo, Norway

This is a photo-review of interesting and kids-friendly places in Norway: Bergen, Oslo and Stavanger.

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway. It is a nice city on the shore of the the Northern Sea with cozy narrow streets, typical for Norway. I can't say that visiting Bergen is a must, but if you happen to be here, make sure to ride the funicular to the observation deck and visit the fish market.

Oslo is the capital of Norway and it reminded me of Saint-Petersburg (Russia). One can walk here for hours, looking at the architecture, visiting museums (some of which are free) and watching the military men at the Akershus fortress. The Frogner sculpture park with its philosophical sculptures is also located here.

Stavanger is the oil capital of Norway. The centre of the city reminded me of Berlin: there are a lot of restaurants, bars and extremely expensive shops here. The Oil Museum, which is worth visiting even if you are not interested in mining operations, is also located in Stavanger. There is also the Canning Museum (by the way, fish cans used to be an important source of income for the citizens) in Stavanger.

The Sword in the Stone monument was established in the memory of the battle in 872. The huge sword symbolises the king Harald who won the battle, two smaller swords are the kings who were defeated. Swords in the stones are the symbol of peace.

The Preikestolen, the Kjeragbolten and the Manafossen waterfalls are usually visited by tourist groups. The Preikestolen is a cliff 604 meters above the Lysefjord. It takes about an hour to walk up there from the parking lot (or more if you take breaks). Good sneakers with stout sole would be appropriate for this trip.

The way to the Kjeragbolten is harder and takes longer. But seeing this stone, hung up between two cliffs 1 kilometer above the ground, is worth all the trouble. I've been there 5 times, but never risked stepping on it, as I have a fear of heights. Other tourists do it. I even saw a German man who proposed to his girlfriend while standing on it (photo).

The Manafossen is a 100 meters high waterfall. It is 15 minutes walk from the parking lot.

You can also take a boat trip from Starvegen city center. It is a good way to observe bridges, waterfalls and the Preikestolen. Plus, you don't have to go anywhere: sitting by the window is enough.

The Trolltunga (or Troll tongue) is the most beautiful place I've seen in Norway and the most difficult to get to. One way trip takes at least 5 hours. Some people take a tent to stay overnight, others manage to return on the same day. I walked with a big backpack and got really tired.

The Preikestolen and waterfalls can be visited with kids. That is what Scandinavian people usually do, but you have to know your family's limits.

Photo and text: Elena Kuznetsova.